Quicklinks
How to Deal with Head Lice
This is a perfect time to be sure that your child does not have live lice, or the nits that may
indicate their presence. The main thing to remember is not to panic!
* Check your child for signs of head lice in a well lighted area and when hair is dry.
* Lice are brownish, small, flat, wingless insects that are about as big as a
sesame seed when fully grown.
* They do not jump or fly and can live only on a person, never on pets.
* The eggs, or nits, are small, gray-white, and tear-shaped. They are firmly attached
to the hair shaft and cannot be easily removed.
* The insect bites you like a mosquito and the person usually complains of itching.
* Lice are not easily transmitted from one person to another. However, please remind
your child that lice can spread from one person to another by “hitching” a ride on a
shared comb, hat, personal item, or with head-to-head contact.
If you discover lice:
--> Use a lice shampoo, lotion or gel as directed on the label.
--> Remove all the lice and nits (eggs) with a fine tooth comb or fingernails.
--> Put on clean clothes. Wash all clothes and bedding. Don’t forget coats and combs.
--> Vacuum all carpets well. Vacuum every day for at least the next 10 days. Don’t forget
to vacuum the car as well.
--> Check your child’s hair DAILY for re-infestation.
* Most treatments recommend a repeat treatment in 7-10 days.
* If eggs are left in the hair they can start hatching at any time.
* An egg takes about 10 days to fully mature and hatch.
* Each louse lays many eggs every day.
--> Items that cannot be washed should be placed in an airtight plastic bag for two weeks.
--> Please notify the school if your student has head lice.
--> Bethel’s School District’s policy is that children must be nit free before returning
to school.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our District Health Nurse,
Mrs. Merino. You may leave a message for her at our office, 253-683-8900.
She will be happy to return your call.
There is more information available at the following websites:
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/whensick/HeadLice.htm
http://www.astdhpphe.org/infect/lice.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/headlice.html
**This page was adapted from North Mason School District’s Sand Hill Elementary’s website (01/23/09).